Skinstitut Retinol Serum Review

Skinstitut Retinol Serum
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Skinstitut Retinol Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Skinstitut Retinol Serum has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Skinstitut Retinol Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Skinstitut Retinol Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Skinstitut Retinol Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Skinstitut Retinol Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.3 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Skinstitut Retinol Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Among others, Skinstitut Retinol Serum also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Ammonium Glycyrrhizate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Skinstitut Retinol Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈1.0%), Tocopherol (est. ≈0.3%), Mannitol (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Skinstitut Retinol Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Skinstitut Retinol Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Pistacia Vera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine HCl
Function:
Origin:
RNA
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Histidine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydropiperine
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Heptane
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.0
4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.6
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.0 10
8.0
4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.0 10
8
All humectants
8.0
4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.6
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.1
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Mannitol
0.3
Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Polysorbate 60
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Pistacia Vera Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Pistacia Vera Seed Oil
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Vegetable ProteinA blanket term used for plant-based proteins that have been processed into smaller chunks. They add to the skincare product's film-forming and water-binding properties.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Olive Oil UnsaponifiablesA strongly emollient fraction of olive oil. It contains sterols and fatty alcohols along with various antioxidant compounds and squalane - which replenishes skin sebum.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
Pyridoxine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyridoxine HClA B-vitamin that helps regulate sebum production.
RNA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
RNA
Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Histidine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Histidine HCl
Epilobium Angustifolium Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Leaf Extract
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide DiacetateA synthetically made peptide similar to the proteins in viper venom. Similarly to Botox, it works by inhibiting contractions of mimic muscles, thereby offering a short-term reduction in mimic wrinkles.
Tetrahydropiperine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydropiperine
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ruscus Aculeatus Root ExtractAn extract derived from the Butcher's broom root. It is a toning ingredient that can help to increase microcirculation.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) ExtractAn extract obtained from horse chestnut seeds that contains an anti-inflammatory and astringent mixture called Aescin. It also offers soothing benefits and is aimed at irritated skin.
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower Extract
Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tyrosine
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Heptane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Heptane
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium GlycyrrhizateA soothing ingredient with a sweet taste that is isolated from licorice root.
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.